Hanoi adjusts prices of clean water

Adjusting the price of clean water in Hanoi is necessary to improve the capacity and quality of clean water for residents, and the plan must be in line with the principles prescribed by the Ministry of Finance, according to Nguyen Tien Thoa, Head of the Vietnam Valuation Association.

"The fact that Hanoi raised the price of clean water from July 1 will affect people's lives. However, this impact will be minimal compared to the motivation to improve the clean water supply system for residents," Thoa said.

Clean water in Hanoi. Photo: Thuy Chi

He pointed out that the price of clean water in Hanoi has remained unchanged for 10 years. Meanwhile, after 10 years, the cost for clean water has increased significantly, resulting in the city's water system not being synchronously upgraded.

"The adjustment of clean water prices comes from urgent practical needs, in line with the Vietnamese government's policy to promote water supply management and consumption of clean water. The move also helps to encourage people to use water economically and call for more investment in the sector," Thoa said.

Nguyen Ngoc Diep, Chairman of the Vietnam Water Supply and Sewerage Association (VWSA), said the water price adjustment in Hanoi was reasonable, arguing that Hanoi has maintained the price of clean water for ten years, while many other provinces and cities in the country have adjusted water prices.

"According to a survey by the VWSA, the average price of clean water in urban areas of localities such as Phu Tho, Bac Ninh, Thai Nguyen, Quang Ninh, Haiphong, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Quang Binh, Thua Thien-Hue, and Ho Chi Minh City is 10% to 45% higher than that of Hanoi," Diep said.

To ensure clean water for the daily life of residents, Hanoi's functional units have promoted many solutions to avoid water shortage. Photo: Van Bien/The Hanoi Times

Meanwhile, Dr. Bui Thi An, Director of the Institute of Natural Resources, Environment and Community Development, said that to build consensus among residents, relevant units and sectors need to strengthen communication work to explain the policy, objectives, and impacts of the price adjustment.

"Hanoi's authorities must commit to ensure customer service policies, avoid fraud in water metering and billing, and meet water demand," An said.

Director of Hanoi Construction Department Vo Nguyen Phong told The Hanoi Times that the city authorities have always focused on many solutions to ensure the safety and quality of water supply to meet the needs of people in the capital over the past period.

"However, since the price of water has not been adjusted, the water supply units would not have enough resources to upgrade and expand the clean water supply network. The rotational water cut is also an inevitable situation because of poor supply network, especially in summer when the demand surges," Phong said.

"We are also inspecting all clean water production stations in the city to ensure the given quality," the director stressed.